Surgery for malignant breast neoplasms
Surgery for benign and malignant breast neoplasms
About 50 % of breast cancer cases diagnosed 30–40 years ago were stage I or II cancers, currently such stage cancer makes up about 72-74 % of all cases. This means that the disease is diagnosed in earlier stage giving a chance to save hundreds of lives. Though public understanding regarding the necessity of taking self-care about one health is increasing along with preventive measures for oncological diseases, males are diagnosed with much more advanced tumours. III or IV stage tumours are usually associated with worse treatment results , – explains Professor, habilitated Dr. Valerijus Ostapenko.
How are the benign tumours treated?
Though breast cancer diagnosis sounds intimidating, a hope still exists, as the majority of diagnosed breast neoplasms are of benign origin, fibroadenomas.
When the neoplasm is small, a surgery is not necessary, however, when its size reaches 2.5 –3.5 cm, surgical intervention is recommended. Considering individual patient's case a surgery involves cosmetic incisions, moreover, a surgery can be combined with a minor breast lift. The main objective of surgeries carried out in “Kardiolita Hospital” is both to remove safely the neoplasm and to preserve beauty of the breast as well as to make the patient happy with the aesthetical outcomes of the surgery, – explains physician oncosurgeon V. Ostapenko.
The Professor also notes that a surgery for removal of benign breast neoplasms sis usually carried out under local anaesthesia. A surgeon before an intervention examines the patient and discusses with them surgical tactics, extent of the surgery, possible complications and expected aesthetical outcomes.
Few dressing change episodes are required after a surgery for the surgeon to assess post-surgical period and wound healing process, as well as to inform the patient about the final pathology diagnosis of the neoplasm and to provide with recommendations for a further follow-up.
There is a large range of surgeries and techniques designed for the treatment of malignant neoplasms.
Professor Valerijus Ostapenko noted that in case when further examinations confirm diagnosis of malignant neoplasm and considering existing indications the standard radical (mastectomy), breast-sparing (breast preserving), reconstructive and oncoplastic surgeries for breast cancer can be done.
Oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer is a single step combined surgical intervention involving oncological surgery and mammoplasty aiming to improve aesthetical outcomes of a surgical treatment. Oncological thoroughness is ensured during the oncological step of the surgery to ensure complete extirpation of the tumour. Professor, habilitated Dr. Valerijus Ostapenko explains the process of surgical malignant neoplasm treatment at “Kardiolita Hospital”: – This involves radiological and pathological examination of the resected part of the breast containing a tumour as well as emergency pathological examination of the armpit lymph nodes.
After completion of the oncological surgery step, a corrective mammoplasty step is started. 6 main oncoplastic surgery techniques are used depending on the breast tumour localisation, they allow the surgeon to improve the aesthetical post-surgical outcomes.
The most important aspect is timely consultation with healthcare professionals
Breast cancer prevention programmes currently implemented in Lithuania allow many of patients to receive timely medical assistance. Moreover, they feel more confident knowing the fact that the cost of breast neoplasm surgery is reimbursed from the budget of Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (MHIF).
Assistance of qualified healthcare professionals and advanced treatment methods applied by the oncologists, a support from non-governmental organisations is accessible for every breast cancer patient. Our joint endeavour can ensure optimal treatment outcomes and high quality of life for such patients; however, it is very important for everyone to take self-care about personal health and encourage such activities in our next of kind, – finalised Professor, habilitated Dr. Valerijus Ostapenko, mammologist, oncosurgeon of Vilnius “Kardiolita Hospital”, which offers services of probably the best physicians in Lithuania.
To reduce a chance of getting breast cancer it is very important to follow certain individual preventive measures: healthy and balanced nutrition, physical activity, refrain from alcohol, smoking and maintaining normal body weight. Moreover, interruption of pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy or hormone contraception lasting for more than 5 years should be avoided.
Breast self-examination is recommended for young ladies and to visit a physician mammologist for breast ultrasound examination every 3 years. Participation in the breast cancer preventive programmes and mammography examination, which allows early detection of neoplasms is recommended for those aged 50–69 years old, – says oncosurgeon.
